Effects of water exercise on body composition and components of metabolic syndrome in older females with sarcopenic obesity

[Purpose] Very few studies have been conducted on the benefits of water exercise for older adults with sarcopenic obesity. Whether the water exercise intervention is effective for improving sarcopenia and/or obesity remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the effects of water exercise on body composition and components of metabolic syndrome in older females with sarcopenic obesity. [Participants and Methods] Participants (aged ≥60 years) were divided into a water exercise group and a control group. Water-based strength and endurance exercises were performed three times a week for 12 weeks. Lean soft tissue mass, fat mass, and body fat percentage were measured by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry. [Results] Two-way analysis of variance revealed significant interactions (time × group) for total body fat percentage and leg body fat percentage. In the exercise group, leg body fat percentage significantly decreased after the intervention, but no significant change was observed in the control group. The components of metabolic syndrome showed no significant interactions in either group (time × group). [Conclusion] No significant changes were observed in the components of metabolic syndrome. However, 12-week water exercise may be effective for reducing fat mass in females with sarcopenic obesity.